The state Highway Patrol is reminding drivers to be careful as they enjoy the July Fourth holiday. Driving cautiously not only will increase your chances of arriving at your destination safely, it also could help you conserve gas.

To crack down on speeders, state troopers plan increased patrols on all interstates and major four-lane highways throughout the holiday weekend.

Last year in North Carolina, five people died and 246 were injured during the July Fourth holiday period.

This year's holiday period began at 6 p.m. Thursday and ends at midnight Sunday.

"Our troopers will be looking for aggressive drivers, drunk drivers and other violators," said Col. Walter J. Wilson Jr., Highway Patrol commander.

In addition to focusing on speeders, troopers will increase their efforts to enforce the state's litter laws.

First-time offenders can be fined as much as $1,000 and ordered to perform up to 24 hours of community service. Repeat offenders can get a $2,000 fine and 50 hours of community service.

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